I see many Christians who are very upset and outspoken about the present state of affairs of the government of the United States and the world at large. I do not believe that the Lord wants us to live like this. I believe He wants us to demonstrate that we can still live a victorious Christian life despite the fact that our nation has turned its back on God and the world is rapidly going out of control. We are headed on the fast-track in the fulfillment of Scriptures for the Antichrist to make his debut. We need to rest in the fact that even though the world seems out of control, our Lord is still at the helm. He is orchestrating the pieces of the puzzle to perfectly fall into place. We need to re-evaluate our roles and make sure that our #1 job is to spread the Good News and to try and make disciples of all people. We may not be able to change the world (the candidates we vote for may not win), but we can certainly change people in the world, one soul at a time. Look what Jesus left His small band of followers with and what they were able to accomplish in a very short amount of time:
- And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)
- But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. (Acts 17:6 NKJV)
Many Christians cite the fact that our forefathers would not put up with what is going on today. But there is a big difference in the world today in God’s ultimate plan. Back during the early years of this nation, God had a divine purpose for this nation to be a Christian nation to spread the Gospel throughout the world. Today, God’s plan is for setting up for the Second Coming of His Son. At that time He will be the one, not us, to rid the world of the evil regime of the Anti-Christ. But first, the world has to ready for the Anti-Christ to set up his evil throne. That is exactly what is transpiring right now before our eyes. It’s part of God’s ultimate plan. Let’s not forget that we are not to live by the ways of the world. Our sword is different from their sword:
- But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear. “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?” (Matthew 26:51-54 NLT)
- For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)
- For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:12, 13 NKJV)
- Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV)
Let’s not forget what this world only has to offer and that we are not of this world:
- Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. (I John 3:13 NKJV)
- Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (II Timothy 3:12 NKJV)
- As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” (Romans 8:36 NKJV)
- “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28 NLT)
- Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20 NKJV)
- Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” (John 18:36 NKJV)
- Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4 NKJV)
So where does this leave us and what is Jesus’ timely word for us right now and right where we are?:
- Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28 NKJV)
- And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:15-18 NKJV)
Which sword do you live by?
Annointing 